“I am a fortunate homosexual man” – Ricky Martin

Pop singer Ricky Martin declared publicly this week what he avoided discussing for years: He is gay.

“I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man,” Martin wrote on his official Web site. “I am very blessed to be who I am.”

A decade ago, when ABC’s Barbara Walters pressed Martin to address rumors about his sexuality, he declined to confirm or deny them. “I just don’t feel like it,” Martin said.

Now, Martin wrote, “these years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn’t even know existed.”